Which statement best describes the essential difference between classical conditioning and operant conditioning in dogs?

Which statement best describes the essential difference between classical conditioning and operant conditioning in dogs?

• A. Classical conditioning pairs a neutral stimulus with a meaningful stimulus to elicit a reflexive response; operant conditioning uses consequences to shape voluntary behavior.
• B. Classical conditioning relies on punishment to reduce behavior; operant conditioning relies on rewards to increase any behavior.
• C. Classical conditioning occurs only in laboratory settings; operant conditioning occurs only in home environments.
• D. Both are identical in mechanism and outcomes.

Answer: (A)